Area
41,284 sq. km. (15,940 sq. miles)
Location
Western Europe
Population
7.5 million (as per estimates of 2006) and Population Density of 181.7 per sq. km.
Capital City
Bern with a total population of 127,000 million (as per estimates of 2005).
Language
Multiple languages are spoken in the country. The central and eastern areas have German as primary language, while the western folks interact in French. The southern Swiss people are more comfortable with Italian, and the southeastern areas converse better in Rhaeto-Romanic. However, most people can speak and understand some English.
Electricity
AC 220 volts, 50Hz.
Currency
Swiss Franc (CHF, symbol CHF). 1CHF = 100 rappen or centimes
Notes prevalent = CHF10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000
Coins prevalent = CHF1, 2, and 5; Centimes 5, 10, 20, and 50
Currency Exchange
Currency Exchange facility is available at bureaux de change situated at railway stations and banks. For more details and exchange rates, travellers are advised to consult their banks.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Credit/Debit/ATM Cards of all major companies, like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club, accepted. However, it is advisable to carry some cash as well. ATMs are also conveniently situated.
Traveller's Cheques
Travellers Cheques in US Dollars, Pound Sterling, Euro, or Swiss Franc are accepted at all airports, banks, and railway stations. The travellers are also advised to carry travellers’ cheques in major currencies, like US Dollars, or Pounds Sterling, in order to avoid additional exchange rate charges.
Banking Hours
Banks in Switzerland function from Monday to Friday from 0830-1630